VideoCamCorder Redefined

Many moons ago, I bought a mini digital video camera in the form of Panasonic NV-DA1. It can record video resolution of 720x480 and can take still images w/ OK IQ - compared to a digital camera that time. (image borrowed from http://www.calhamar-tv.blogspot.com/ - thanks!)

It was one of the early DV recorders (circa 1999) and the spec was very good:

• Camcorder Type: Digital
• Recording Format: Mini DV
• Optical Zoom: 17x
• Display Type: With LCD Panel
• LCD Panel Size: 2.5 in.
• Digital Zoom: 200x
• Image Stabilizer: With Image Stabilizer
• Low Lux: 1 Lux
• Night Shot: Without Night Shot
• Audio Format: ATRAC Stereo
• Digital Still Shot Mode: With Still Shot Capability

It even came with FireWire port which supports 400-3200 Mbit/s transfer rate which was fairly new that time. I think the format is virtually dead by now while USB2.0 remains king.
It was also the time when Night Shot by Sony was very popular. Not sure why I chose Panasonic which doesn't even sport this feature - but I always relate portable devices with Panasonic (even my portable cassette player is a Panasonic :P) than Sony. Most of our home A/V equipments are Sony specially the TV sets.

Fast forward to this day and I now have this:
A Micro Four Thirds system based Digital Video Recorder :D Body is a Panasonic GH1 which I already hacked to GH13 and can already record 1080/24p@44mbps [I hope that's correct] movies. This particular model is discontinued already and you may want to check the GH2 which is said to better RED Epic's specs/performance.

And the lens which I just acquired today after many days of waiting - is a Panasonic Lumix 14-140 which is a 10x true blue optical! zoom :D

USD650 at Amazon

One of the best superzoom out there that even people in the industry is using - mostly with the ~USD4300 Panasonic AF-AG100 Live MOS Full HD Digital Camcorder due to mount compatibility. So far I am impressed with the wide and tele end of the lens. Will post sample shots soon.

Thinking of getting a Panasonic Plasma Display soon... :D Sorry Sony - have.no. plasma :D

Sony DSC-F828 full spectrum hack

Just recently learned about this and I know I'm VERY late to the party :D

I've been a long time fan of infrared photography and was actually deciding to get a full modified full spectrum camera from ebay.

Then my A700's AF drive got busted and triggered me to check used A-mount cams. Surprised that there are still a lot of them being sold. I can opt for a full frame (FF) A850 (D)SLR or the FF SLT A99. Decided that I dont need FF and will settle for an APS-C SLT w better low light ability - an upgrade from A700 will do.

Wondered if I can get a full spectrum body so I searched for 'Sony + full spectrum'. At this point I encountered the Sony DSC-F828 which is a bridge camera from 2003 AND it has this full spectrum (FS) hack using a (strong) magnet. Putting the magnet near the tripod mount will trigger the switch to FS. Switch it OFF to reset. Very cool indeed.

Long story short I got one locally and here's a sample:

Left is the 'visible light' (VL) version and on the right is the FS.

The advantage of a full spectrum camera is that you can add infrared filters like the R72 (720nm) without affecting the cam's meter. With a normal camera adding an R72 will darken the scene and register a longer exposure. With a FS, it will almost not affect the (light) metering. Apparently the 850nm does affect the metering but only by 2 to 3 secs depending on the scene.

Here's a sample of FS vs R72:

Very pleased with the F828 and FS hack. I just recently purchased the 850nm and will post when I get more sample shots.

But apparently all is not well with the F828.

One of the feature that makes F828 stand out from the competition during its release is the 28-200 (f/2.0-2.8) Carl Zeiss T* zoom lens. Almost constant! With the electronics getting old and stressed over time though, it is bound to have issues. I just discovered that the zoom will not take proper pictures when set to 3.1x (~86mm). And this is common with the model.

Tonight I played more with the zoom and noted the effect starting at 3.1x and here's a sample with MrBombay the cat

So just expect this issue if you're getting one or own a unit.

BTW, I might get an Axx SLT cam soon :D

Zoom!Zoom!Take2

April of last year when I got the chance to own the m.Zuiko 14-150.
It was VERY short lived and fortunately, I was able to return the lens to Amazon.

The m.Zuiko 14-150 is a very light and able superzoom but the primary use is for stills shooting.

I debated much on the alternative which is the Panasonic 14-140. Bigger, heavier and more expensive and the primary use would be for video shooting.

Fast forward to today and I was able to acquire the lens with a good price tag. Was actually debating if I should get the Olympus E-P3 and 14-150 but the E-P3 can't be found on body only sale.

The lens is really 'slow' at 14/4 and 140/5.8 but I am able to get decent shots with the help of MEGA O.I.S. Recalling my time with the 45-200 and I do remember getting good shots with Mode 2. Mode 1 is supposed to be for video and Mode 2 for stills.

Anyway, here are some samples indoor in our office. Already brought home my favorite subject so here's an alternative subject :P

@14mm (28mm equivalent FOV)

and @140mm (280mm FOV)
quite impressive and it should get better under daylight.

Zoom!Zoom!

Okay, here are initial test shots from the Oly SuperZoom
Testing it on the G1 first - I'm leaving the best for last :D
All STFC (straight from the cam) unless stated
Outdoor early morning:

14mm

150mm
not bad - not bad at all

inside the Food Park:
14mm

150mm
look at that blur - pretty impressive for a superzoom!

Looking outside
14mm
(tweaked to remove the glare from the glass window)

150mm
(tweaked to remove the glare from the glass window)

checking the MFD on both ends
14mm MFD (0.5m)

and 150mm MFD (0.5m)
What a superzoom!!! I'm all smile at this point :D

So I just played around with the blur

and some test shots with my favorite office toy
background blur

foreground blur

I'm very impressed already and can't wait to test it further outside \m/

Loving the M43

My adapters arrived last Sunday but was able to get them the other day.
I've already tried the Rokkor 45/2 and 50/1.7 on the G1 w/ the Fotodiox MD>M43 adapter:

and a sample shot with the 50/1.7MD:

Will test the SuperTakumar 55/1.8 soon.

Along with the adapters I ordered is the Raynox DCR-250.
"The lens includes a snap-on universal mount suitable for 52mm to 67mm filter size.
DCR-250 Super Macro lens obtains the maximum macro magnification power when set at the most telephoto position of zoom lens. The lens is made of high index optical glass elements which produce rich and razor sharp image." -from Raynox website

and a sample shot with the Lumix 20/1.7:
I don't have the Panasonic Leica 45/2.8 macro which sells for ~USD900 but I think the Lumix 20/1.7 + raynox DCR250 combo will suffice for my macro needs with the G1.
I also have the Tam90 on A-mount. I think I have to order another adapter :P

Waiting Game

Just came from trips to Cebu/Bohol and Hundred Islands w/ my MFT system.

Was able to borrow the Panasonic 45-200/4-5.6 Lumix G Vario Mega OIS
(available at USD299.99 at Amazon)

from a colleague and it impressed me during the vacation. The Mega OIS really works (Mode 1)!

One deal breaker for me though is that the 45mm's AOV is not wide enough hence I usually end up switching lenses. Hence I've decided to go for the 14-140.

But then again... I have to wait for a couple of things.

1. If ever I get the refund for my Olympus M.Zuiko 14-150
(price has gone down to USD499.99 at Amazon)

2. According to 43rumours, Panasonic is due to release 5 new lenses in June. I'm anticipating further price drops on the old lenses.

That's about it for the zoom lens.


Then there's the news about an Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm/f2.

This definitely stopped me dead on my tracks about getting the M.Zuiko 9-18/4-5.6
(available at Amazon for USD599.99)

I've been lusting on the Panasonic 7-14 but the price is too much for me.
Found a local seller for the Oly 9-18 but the price is steep.
Now I'm not sure if I should bargain.
Do I really need a 12/2?
Questions and Decisions...

Not sure if I should be happy or not, the waiting and deciding will definitely hurt my head :D
but it will definitely give me more time to think about my MFT lineup.
I'd rather wait then.

Last thing...
was very surprised to learn that I didn't use the 20/1.7 much during the trips
Sell? :D

The Fast and the Inconspicuous!

Fast aperture lenses are making their way on point and shoot cameras.
Olympus XZ-1 10 MP Digital Camera
with f1.8 Lens and 3-Inch OLED Monitor
(available at Amazon)
If I was looking for one - I'll get this one :)
Review @ pocket-lint


Here's another 'contender':
Nikon COOLPIX P300 12.2 CMOS Digital Camera
with 4.2x f/1.8 NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video
(available at Amazon)

Sell and Buy

Just recently sold two of my desktop audio gear and now I'm GAS'ing on another set of photo gear that I can use with wedding shoot.
I definitely need a wider lens.

The Candidates:

Olympus XZ-1 : best feature is the 28/1.8 widest coverage and zoom
available in Amazon for USD499


Panasonic LX-5 : best feature is the 24mm/2 widest coverage and video
available in Amazon for USD395.95

Panasonic GF-2 w/ 14/2.5 : best feature is the interchangeable lens and video
this combo available in Amazon for USD699


Will keep this blog posted :D :D :D

09Feb2009 Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Wide

Zoom

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